Effects of Gomishi and Shosaiko-to on lipid peroxidation of rat brain]

Gomishi and Shosaiko-to were administered to the rats at a dose of 10-100 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks, and their effects on lipid peroxidation of rat brain were compared with that of alpha-tocopherol. Administration of Gomishi and Shosaiko-to showed almost the same suppressive action on the lipid peroxidation. Gomishi and Shosaiko-to exhibited a radical-trapping action on a stable free radical, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), which was estimated photometrically. The effects of Gomishi or Shosaiko-to at concentrations of 10(-3) to 10(-5)g/ml on lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenates were investigated. The lipid peroxidation was inhibited by the addition of these drugs, and the suppressive effect was also dependent on the concentration. These suppressive effects with Shosaiko-to were stronger than those of Gomishi. These results suggest that the radical trapping action of Gomishi or Shosaiko-to is the likely mechanism suppressing brain lipid peroxidation; Particularly, the suppressive effect on the brain's lipid peroxidation by Shosaiko-to is at least in part due to its radical trapping action and inhibition of O2-. production.